 |
|
© Martin Wall
|
Botanical name: Larrea tridentata
Common names: Creosote bush, Greasewood
Parts of Chaparral used and where is Chaparral grown
takes its name from the area in which it grows, the desert regions of the
southwestern United States and northern Mexico known as the chaparral ecosystem. The leaves
and stems of this ancient plant are used as medicine.
Historical or traditional use of Chaparral (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
has been used for thousands of years by Native Americans for a variety of
purposes. It has been employed primarily in tea form to help with cramping pains, joint pains,
and allergic problems, as well as to eliminate
parasites.1 2 Externally it has been applied to reduce inflammation
and pain, and to promote healing of minor
wounds.3
Active constituents of Chaparral
The major lignan in chaparral, known as nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a potent
antioxidant and was thought by some scientists to be a potential cancer treatment. In a rat
study, NDGA and a leaf extract of a South American subspecies of chaparral were found to exert
an antitumor effect.4 However, one report suggests that NDGA may stimulate further
growth of tumors in cancer patients.5 Clinical trials, therefore, are still needed
to establish whether chaparral is a safe and effective treatment for people with cancer.
Other reported effects for chaparral include anti-inflammatory properties6
7 as well as antimicrobial actions in test tubes.8 These actions have note
been established in human clinical trials
How much Chaparral is usually taken?
A tea can be prepared by steeping 1 teaspoon (approximately 5 grams) of leaves and flowers
in 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water for ten to fifteen minutes.9 People should drink
three cups per day for a maximum of two weeks unless under the care of a physician expert in
the use of botanical medicines. Alternatively, 0.5–1 ml of tincture can be taken three
times per day.10 Topically, cloths can be soaked in oil preparations or tea of
chaparral and applied several times per day (with heat if helpful) over the affected area.
Capsules of chaparral should be avoided.
Are there any side effects or interactions with Chaparral?
There have been sporadic reports of people developing liver or kidney problems after taking
chaparral, particularly in capsules.11 Almost all of these cases involved either
the use of capsules or excessive amounts of tea. Some of these cases were people with
established liver disease prior to using the herb. Tea and tincture of chaparral have an
extremely strong taste considered disagreeable by most people, which restricts the amount they
can tolerate before feeling nauseous. Capsules bypass this protective mechanism and should
therefore be avoided. Since human studies have shown that large amounts of chaparral tea and
injections of NDGA in people with cancer do
not cause liver or kidney problems,12 it is likely the cases of toxicity
represented individual reactions.13
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with chaparral.
Special United Kingdom considerations
is either not available or may require a prescription. People should check with a
qualified herbalist.
|
|
|
|
|
Chaparral 500 mg by Arizona Natural
"I have used Chaparral 500 mg for over year and have had no problems. I usually come down with a sinus and ear infection once a year, but thi..." |
|
|
| SHOP For Chaparral By Category |
| |
Like eVitamins? Become A Fan Today!
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
Learn more
about Healthnotes, the company.
Learn more
about the authors of Healthnotes.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in
vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.
The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of
the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter
medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or
pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications.
References:
Click
here to view references
| 
Cart: 0 items 
Checkout
